Glenn Butcher MP – Member for Gladstone

After finishing school, I kicked off my career with an apprenticeship as a Fitter and Turner at the Gladstone Power Station. It was a great place to learn the ropes and build a strong foundation. Once I completed my trade, I moved on to Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL), where I ended up spending 21 years. I started as a tradesman and worked my way up through various roles, including a mechanical supervisor and eventually a maintenance superintendent. In that role, I had the responsibility of leading a team of 12 mechanical supervisors and 95 tradespeople, while managing an $85 million annual budget. It was a challenging but rewarding period, and it taught me a great deal about leadership, planning, and accountability.

Outside of work, I’ve always been a proud family man and a Gladstone local. I’m married to my wonderful wife Theresa, and together we’ve raised two children, Taylor and Blake. I’m passionate about sport, especially Rugby League, which has played a big role in both my life and my community involvement.

I’m a life member of Wallaby’s Rugby League and served as the club’s president from 2004 to 2010. I then took on the role of President of Gladstone Rugby League from 2010 to 2015. One thing I’m really proud of is helping to get Women’s Rugby League off the ground here in Gladstone. I coached the first-ever Gladstone Raidetts side in the regional comp, and now we’ve got four women’s teams in the area. That shows just how much interest and support there is for women in league, and it’s something I’ll always back 100%.

Over the years, I started to feel like our region wasn’t getting its fair share, especially in terms of infrastructure and investment. Gladstone has contributed so much to Queensland’s economy, and I felt it was time someone stood up and fought for our community. That’s what pushed me to join the Labor Party in 2010.

I was first elected to Queensland Parliament in 2015, and since then, I’ve had the chance to serve in a range of roles. From Assistant Minister for Treasury to Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, and Minister for Water. I’m proud to have the chance to represent our region.

After being re-elected for a fourth term in 2024, I’m now the Shadow Minister for Police and Crime Prevention, Shadow Minister for Corrective Services, Shadow Minister for Sport, and a member of the Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee.

Whether it’s been through my trade, local sport, or in Parliament, my focus has always been the same, backing Gladstone and making sure we get our fair share of recognition and investment.